Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 pound large shrimp - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lime juice To make Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos, you need fresh shrimp. I prefer large shrimp for a juicy bite. You’ll also need Cajun seasoning for that bold flavor. A touch of olive oil helps the spices stick and adds richness. Lime juice adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon lime zest The tortillas are the base of your tacos. I like small corn tortillas for their flavor and texture. Avocado adds creaminess, while red cabbage gives a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor, making each bite fresh. Sour cream is perfect for balancing the spice, and lime zest adds a fragrant touch. - Salt and pepper to taste - Lime wedges for serving Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. These simple ingredients boost the overall flavor. Lime wedges are a must for squeezing over the tacos. They enhance the taste and make each bite refreshing. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a bowl. Add the peeled shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix them well. You want the shrimp to be coated evenly in the seasoning. This step adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Now, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them. They should turn pink and opaque when done. When they are ready, remove them from the heat. While the shrimp cook, warm the corn tortillas. Use another skillet over low heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. Now, take the warm tortillas and place a few pieces of cooked shrimp on each one. Next, add sliced avocado, shredded red cabbage, and chopped cilantro on top. For a creamy touch, mix sour cream and lime zest in a small bowl. Drizzle this over your tacos. Serve them right away. Don't forget lime wedges on the side for some extra zing! - How to avoid overcooked shrimp: To keep shrimp tender, cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they get tough. - Best oil for frying shrimp: I recommend using olive oil for frying. It has a nice flavor and handles heat well. You could also use canola or avocado oil for a milder taste. - Ideal sides to pair with tacos: Fresh sides make a great meal. I love serving these tacos with a simple salad or black beans. A side of corn salsa adds sweetness and crunch. - Presentation tips for a beautiful dish: To make your tacos look great, stack the shrimp neatly in the tortillas. Add colorful toppings like red cabbage and avocado. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green. - Suggestions for adding heat: If you want more heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix some cayenne pepper into the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. - Best herbs and spices to complement the dish: Fresh cilantro works well with these tacos. You can also try adding fresh lime juice for brightness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure you don't overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque after about 2-3 minutes on each side. Warm Tortillas: To enhance the flavor and texture, warm the corn tortillas before assembling the tacos. This makes them more pliable and enjoyable. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and ripe avocados for the best taste. Fresh ingredients can elevate the overall flavor of your tacos. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a squeeze of hot sauce for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great here, too. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces. Fish like tilapia or salmon also fit well. For a plant-based option, try tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to season them well. When it comes to toppings, you can get creative. Instead of avocado, try mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. Use kale if you want a different green. You can also replace sour cream with a vegan yogurt or cashew cream. To make your tacos milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a touch of honey to balance the heat. If you love spice, add extra Cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce. For a different kick, try a blend of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. You can also explore other spice blends. Try taco seasoning for a different flavor. Or use Old Bay seasoning for a seafood twist. Each blend gives your tacos a unique taste. Tacos are fun, but you can serve this dish in bowls. Just layer the shrimp, toppings, and sauces over rice or lettuce. This way, you get all the flavors in every bite. For toppings, think outside the box. Add pickled jalapeños for a zesty crunch. A drizzle of chipotle sauce adds smoke and heat. Fresh corn or diced tomatoes can bring extra freshness, too. To store leftover shrimp and toppings, first cool them. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Add toppings like avocado and cabbage separately. This keeps them fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They work best to hold in flavors. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps them tender. Stir often to avoid overcooking. For tortillas, heat them in a pan on low. This brings back their softness. You can also use a microwave, but keep it short. Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn. For tacos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh for later use. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. Use large shrimp for the best tacos. They hold up well and have great flavor. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. If you can, choose wild-caught shrimp. They often have better taste and texture than farmed ones. To make the tacos gluten-free, use corn tortillas. They are naturally gluten-free. Check the label to make sure. For the sour cream, most brands are gluten-free, but always read the label. If you're unsure, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp for up to one hour before cooking. This adds flavor and saves time. Cook the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them gently to avoid overcooking. This blog post guides you through making delicious shrimp tacos. We covered key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips to create perfect tacos. Remember, shrimp should be cooked just right to keep them juicy. Customize your dish with toppings and side options. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations, whether you prefer tacos or bowls. With these tips, you can make sure every bite is satisfying. Happy cooking!$

Delicious tacos filled with spicy Cajun shrimp and fresh toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
8 small corn tortillas
1 whole avocado, sliced
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime zest
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the peeled shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the spice mixture.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in another skillet over low heat, about 30 seconds on each side.
Assemble the tacos by placing a few pieces of cooked shrimp on each tortilla.
Top the shrimp with sliced avocado, shredded red cabbage, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and lime zest. Drizzle this creamy mixture over the assembled tacos.
Serve immediately, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.

Keyword Cajun, shrimp, spicy, tacos